Sun, surf, sand and netball are synonymous with Australian culture and now NetFest is offering the unique opportunity of combining the four together to give your favourite sport a sandy twist this September on the Gold Coast.
The first mass participation event of its kind in Australia, NetFest is a four day netball event held on the Gold Coast for competitive and socially minded players with women’s and mixed competitions available in outdoor, indoor, indoor with nets and beach netball formats.

Whether it’s an end of season trip, girls weekend away or holiday with friends, any excuse will do – the competitions cater for those who want to win or for those who want to have fun.

While the beach version is still finding its legs in Australia, the craze is starting to take off on the Gold Coast at Sandstorm, a multisport sand-based venue set up by Australian beach volleyballer and Olympic gold medallist, Natalie Cook.

“It’s one of Australia’s favourite sports with a beach twist, with all the fun of netball but with simpler rules, mixed teams and fun in the sand,” Cook told netfest.com.au.

“Beach netball is a great workout.  It’s also low impact, really easy to pick up and played with under pumping music in Sandstorm’s fun, social atmosphere.”

The relaxed version of the sport sees games contested five-a-side with no fixed positions, anyone can score, removal of the thirds passing rule and a slight ease on the rules making it more socially friendly.

“For anyone who has been to the beach you would know it is harder to run on the sand, but it is also softer and more forgiving on your knees and on your elbows when you dive for the ball,” the Olympic champion said.

“It will definitely improve your fitness playing on the sand, so when you go back to playing traditional netball on a hard surface you will feel like you’re flying down the court.”

“My mission is to get as many people as possible playing on the sand.   I think beach netball is a perfect game for all ages and skill levels, for fun, fitness and making new friends and I am super excited to be a part of Netfest.”

Having spent a good portion of her life on the beach, does Cook have any tips for those looking to play?

“The secret to running on sand is staying on top of the sand, which means you have to run on your toes, think light and fast even if you feel heavy and slow, and before you know it, you will be moving across the court as fast as me.”

Not just a netball competition, NetFest promises to be fun in the sun with social activities planning for the long weekend including an opening night Beach party and discounts to some of Gold Coast’s best bars, restaurants and tourists attractions.

With registrations closing at the end of the month, gather your team mates, friends and family and enter a team to avoid missing out on the inaugural event.

Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen!

For more information or to register your team, visit www.netfest.com.au